Expansion of the Accelerated and Advance Payments Program for Providers and Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency

March 31, 2020

In order to increase cash flow to providers of services and suppliers impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded our current Accelerated and Advance Payment Program to a broader group of Medicare Part A providers and Part B suppliers, including O&P providers. The expansion of this program is only for the duration of the public health emergency. Details on the eligibility, and the request process can be found here: www.cms.gov/files/document/Accelerated-and-Advanced-Payments-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Week of March 23, 2020:

Resources Available From the U.S. Small Business Association

March 26, 2020

At this time, our primary concern is you and your O&P practice. Dating back to the RAC audits, OPGA/VGM Group has developed a strong relationship with the SBA. Throughout those difficult times, the SBA was a great resource for both information and funds to struggling practices. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have again stepped up to the plate and provided several resources that may be of assistance as we work through this time. Please click here to learn more.

OPGA Works With NAAOP to Create Letter Supporting O&P as an Essential Health Service

March 24, 2020

Last week, we spoke to a handful of OPGA members that live in States whose Governor had made a recommendation that all “non-essential businesses, including non-essential healthcare services, close their doors”. In response, OPGA immediately contacted Peter Thomas (Powers Law Firm and NAAOP) and worked with him and his team to create an official document that identified O&P care as an essential health benefit and could be used to inform and educate Local and State authorities. This letter is being made available to all OPGA members and can be used as you see fit. You can download the letter HERE. This letter has also been sent to all State Governors, COVID-19 Tasks Forces and State Insurance Commissioners. As more States follow suit in these declarations, please communicate with your Local and State authorities to confirm O&P status in your State.

If you have any questions, or are experiencing issues with your State or Local authorities, please contact OPGA at 877-250-7951.

Summary of Second COVID-19 Bill

March 24, 2020

"On March 14, the House of Representatives passed a second “Coronavirus 2.0” package, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA); the Senate passed the bill on March 18, and the President signed it into law later the same day. Click here for a summary of the legislative provisions in this second emergency bill."

OPGA Member Active Life O&P, Glendale, CA, Share "Best Practice"

March 24, 2020

During unprecedented disrupting times like we are currently experiencing, there is no question straight forward and timely communication is imperative. In our case, as providers of orthotic and prosthetic medical care, this includes communication with our patients, our staff, our referral sources, our case managers and any others who are involved in the patient care continuum that we are part of. Active Life Orthotics, Prosthetics and Compression, headquartered in Glendale, CA, has done just that. I saw this post by Spencer Doty, CPO, MBA and CEO/Medical Director for Active Life last week on LinkedIn and immediately reached out to him. First, I wanted to commend him and his team for the proactive action they had taken and second, I wanted to ask him if I could share with others in the OPGA community. His gracious answer was “yes.” Click here for the communication Active Life sent out to all stakeholders of their practice. I highly encourage all OPGA members, if you have not already done so, to communicate in a similar fashion to all parties you touch. As medical professionals, it is the right thing to do.